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NeCede's

Maxim 3.4.8

It profits little to know what ought to be done, if you do not know how it is to be done.

Parum est scire quid fieri debet, si non cognoscas quomodo sit facturum.

Source: 2 Inst. 503; Weisman, 69x Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Knowledge of a right is worthless without knowledge of the remedy — the common law provides both the right and the procedure to enforce it.

Where this applies

  • Someone knows their rights but not how to enforce them in court.
  • A person understands they have been wronged but does not know the legal procedure to get a remedy.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.4.8 — It profits little to know what ought to be done, if you do not know how it is to be done. — 2 Inst. 503; Weisman, 69x (Parum est scire quid fieri debet, si non cognoscas quomodo sit facturum.)

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